Elder statesman, Chief Adesunbo Onitiri, has cautioned former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and former governors Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna and Peter Obi of Anambra, against actions and rhetoric capable of destabilizing the nation’s political climate as Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued in Lagos yesterday, Onitiri advised the trio, considered key national figures and statesmen, to act with greater restraint and patriotism in their political engagements. He warned that inflamed political tensions could threaten the country’s democratic stability.
“As one of the original democrats who risked our lives during the 1993–1994 struggle against military rule, we cannot sit idly by while some politicians create openings for anti-democratic forces to exploit,” he said.
Onitiri emphasized that the current economic and security challenges demand unity and collaboration across party lines. He called on both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition leaders to set aside partisanship and work together for the benefit of the Nigerian people.
“The Federal Government is making efforts to address the inherited economic and security issues since taking office in 2023. What is needed now is cooperation, not division.”
He particularly criticized Atiku’s reported move to seek intervention from an American court to disqualify President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, describing it as “unnecessary and unacceptable to most Nigerians.”
“We committed democrats will not fold our arms while our people suffer from hunger and insecurity. The opposition should let the President focus on governance and the delivery of democratic dividends,” Onitiri stated.
